[Tribeca ’23] ‘You’ll Never Find Me’ review: Atmospheric and shocking Australian horror

It has been said a story should never start in a dark and stormy night. You’ll Never Find Me is a Tribeca Festival World Premiere that does just that. A young woman knocks at a stranger’s RV looking for shelter from a violent rainstorm. Things are tense from the beginning and only continue to escalate leading to a deadly and bizarre showdown.

Sound design is a big part of You’ll Never Find Me. As the two are practically trapped alone in the small RV, the wind howls outside the entire time. Eerie music plays almost nonstop during the first half hour plus. There is very little quiet time. When there are moments of silence, they are foreboding moments. You’ll Never Find Me never allows the audience to completely trust either person. The  cat-and-mouse filled with half truths and vague comments keeps the entire film on edge.

Directors Josiah Allen and Indiana Bell (who is also the writer) also use the camera to increase the suspense. Shadows are used to great effect with some shots owing a debt to slashers. Other angles tease jump scares that never quite happen. You’ll Never Find Me is a constant cycle of heightened anxiety with small moments of relief.

The majority of You’ll Never Find Me is spent with the two leads. Brendan Rock and Jordan Cowan do an excellent job of furthering the tension and distrust. The strong dialogue prevents things from getting stale while furtive glances and movements are used in place of action. 

Everything comes to fruition in a wild ending. The uneasiness from earlier gives way to all out horror as the truth is revealed. Faster pace chaos takes over the patient apprehension from earlier. The final moments push against the boundaries of reality in a violent and shocking conclusion.

Tribeca Festival takes place June 7 -18. All films and events can be found HERE 

[Tribeca ’23] ‘You’ll Never Find Me’ review: Atmospheric and shocking Australian horror

You'll Never Find Me

The engaging story and two lead performances lead to an wild ending that will shock audiences. Beautifully shot with great sound design.

Reader Rating0 Votes

0

The majority of the film is spent with the two leads who do an amazing job

The story will draw you in

The ending may be too out there for some

8.5

Great